Coming clean about my soap addiction

As kids, we would all hang out at a friend’s house after school. When we walked in the door, there was a good chance a soap opera was buzzing in the background. And the chance was even better that that soap would be switched off as soon as we tumbled in looking for a snack before going outside for a game of Capture the Flag.

Thing is, the moms weren’t channel-switching due to suggestive language or excessive cleavage, but because, well, if you were caught watching daytime TV, you might as well pull on a stained housecoat and bring on the bonbons. Soap-watching was, back then, shameful and lazy.

I got into soaps in college, starting with “General Hospital” (the “guy” I crushed on loved it), but lost interest in the Sonny, Luke, Laura, whoever drama faster than you can say “Who’s your baby daddy?”

So I moved on to “Young and the Restless,” watching only when my roommate was not around. If I hadn’t been on the third floor, I may have drawn my blinds.

“The Young and the Restless” was my comfort show. I grew up overhearing Victor, Nikki, Jack, Paul, Tracy, Jill, Ashley and the rest of the Genoa City clan’s antics while my mom was ironing or preparing dinner.

When I first started at the Times Union, I’d tape (this is before DVR) “Y&R” and watch when I got home each night. Eventually, I started listening to the show during lunch (RIP 87.7 FM) because I just had to know what was going on — in real time.

One day, when Steve Barnes questioned whether I watched soap operas (I think he caught me Googling Victoria’s fate), I looked at him as if he suggested if my handbag was a Woolworth special. How dare he accuse me of following such filth?

Then, when my friend and colleague, Jennifer Gish was pregnant, I teased her about becoming one of “those” soap opera-watching ladies while on leave. I believe I crinkled my nose and shuddered while suggesting as much (for effect).

“Become,” she said. “I already am.”

At that moment, I admitted, for the first time publicly, I was a SOW (soap opera watcher).

Discussing the passion (not to be confused with “Passions”) brought forth the realization that somewhere along the line, soap opera watching became acceptable.

Maybe it started with “Dallas,” one of the first nighttime soaps, which spawned the likes of “90210,” “Grey’s Anatomy” and others.

I too, am a closet Y&R fan. I would NEVER admit it. I have been watching since I was a teen.. and am in my (ahem) early 40s now. I dvr and watch EVERY night. Husband thinks I am crazy. I do FF sometimes through the really baaaad dumb soap stuff. But, I feel like I KNOW these characters!

My mom used to always watch Y&R, and while I don’t watch it regularly, if I’m home sick, it’s usually on – more more nostalgia, because she always watched it. I think it’s one of the soaps that are not completely far-fetched, and have really good actors. At least that’s what I remember when she used to watch it.

hahah kristi.. did you see my tweet today about “why can’t danny miss amber for more than 5 minutes?!?” i mean really. she just barely left and he’s all up in whatser name. WTH?!?
but to see Jack go help Victor?!? that was fantastic!

I have an obsession for Days of Our Lives. I started watching in college because the girl I was seeing just had to watch it every day (she taped it too). Sure its got stupid fights and I can name off every character coupling. Hell I even yelled at the tv when one of the characters decided to stop taking her pills in order to trap a man.
Its my guilty pleasure.

My mom started watching Y&R before I even a thought and faithfully still watches it after work every day. I can remember my summer babysitter having a daily soap routine from 11:30 – 3:30, switching from one channel to another to get her four show fix. They’d both be furious when a special announcements or speeches interrupted. However, none of this has ever gave me an interest in actually watching one of them. If anything, catching glimpses of the programs has done the opposite making them a complete turnoff.

I honestly haven’t seen any real life examples of soaps being acceptable now. I think they still have the same lame story lines and washed actors as they always did. Soaps to me still scream worn-out robes and bonbons. I’m not much of a TV person anyway, but I’d much rather watch an episode of Dr Oz than Y&R.. and that’s saying ALOT haha

Fans of “All My Children” and “One Life to Live” are probably inconsolable right now. After more than 4 decades (each) of Daytime Drama the shows got the axe to make way for two new lifestyle shows, “The Chew” and “The Revolution.”